Eataly: Le Verdure

I'd been wanting to try Le Verdure, the vegetable station at Eataly, for some time and a visit from an out of town friend was the perfect opportunity. We were blown away by the grilled persimmon bruschetta over goat cheese on thick bread. New York Magazine published the recipe here.

The fritto misto was also incredible, with radishes, pumpkin, potato, scallions and string beans in a crunchy, delicious coating from being fried in extra virgin olive oil.

We also tried the braised artichoke with tomato and potato and hearty, crusty dipping bread.

Cookie Bar

The James Beard award-winning author Dorie Greenspan launched a pop-up cookie shop, Cookie Bar, this weekend featuring cookies from her much-loved recipes. The cookies looked great, and I loved the pancake-shaped World Peace, a cocoa-ey bittersweet dark chocolate with fleur de sel; the buttery sables that compete with Balthazar's; the interesting espresso shortbread with chopped Valrhona chocolate; and the just-like-homemade-except-better peanut butter cookie. The pop-up is now closed, but keep your eye out for other ones coming up and a permanent location in the future.

Heart Cake

I'm dying to have this beautiful heart cake from i am baker. It's gorgeous and although the cake looks way to ambitious for me to attempt, I might have to track it down the next time I'm in Minnesota.

Celery Soup from Bon Appétit

One of the reasons I'm always on the lookout for new and delicious restaurants and bakeries is because I don't cook. Ever.

However, a friend stayed with me over the holidays and brought this recipe from Bon Appétit for a super-simple celery soup. So simple, even someone with one small pot like me can make it (provided the recipe is cut in half). Nearly all the ingredients are shown above. With some chopping, minimal cooking and a blender...

...violá! A creamy, flavorful, easy celery soup!